Beyond Hcg/Hhcg

[julieboolie]

Hi guys!! I'm at the gym. just enjoyed a massage-belated mothers day gift !! Loved it! Going to take the girls and dh swimming in a few minutes. Enjoying a sf breve latte and chilling now. I'm doing a GY CD again! I'm up from yesterday's sugar intake. Totally expected and I'm fine w it. Completely worth it!!

Mini-good for u!! It'll be warming up there soon enough and your butt will ready to show off by then for sure!!

Mermaid-hang in there! Each day is a clean state. Work on maintenance for now. Let your body rest and recharge a bit. When you're ready you can get back to losing. You just don't want go gain in between.

Hope you're all doing well! I've accepted that I'll never be able to eat goodies w/o paying the price on the scale. I'm ok w it. Maybe eventually the jump will be smaller? We'll see!

[minimonkey]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Julie!! So proud of you at the gym.... look at you go!

I'm about to hit the balance ball for some core cross training...and then try to keep my booty moving for some housework this evening, too.

Oy.... back on p2ish, after a very indulgent week of eating for muscle gain.... but now I have to see the muscle that I'm gaining show through.

I honestly can't wait for warm weather this year... I have a body that I honestly want to bare (well, mostly bare, that is) in public, for the first time in my adult life !

[DisneyPrincess]

I thought I posted earlier but it must not have gone through

I won't be around the boards much anymore. I'm at goal and really stabilized at about 100 pounds and feeling great. I'm running which is my true passion. Plus, with my husband home I want to be with him every second I can obviously.

If anyone here is on facebook and wants to keep in touch please pm me for my info

Best of luck

[minimonkey]

Disney ... I am so proud of all you've accomplished, and so happy for you!!!!!! Please pop in from time to time with updates for us... we will miss you very much

[torim]

Okay guys - you've just motivated the bejeepers out of me. Yaaah!! Went to the gym today - but only made it to the sauna. Tomorrows the day back into it. Will just eat a little more protein and add in a post work out shake as well. Found that Glutamine and BCAA's in your post and pre shake works well. The glutamine adds glycogen for the muscles without adding carbs - seems to help heaps with energy.

Once I finish this second round I'll get another BF test done. It will be interesting because the trainer I went to - he does the Poliquin Biosignature method - if anyone's heard of it was quite convinced I would gain fat and lose muscle on the HCG.

[averyjenn]

How's everyone doing? I'm come to realize a few things. For me, hcg is sadly not the "cure" for my maintenance problems. I have the same problems maintaining my weight as I did before hcg. There was no reset of my metabolism or set point here. I'm eating LC and do a CD at least once/week to keep myself in my window. Now I'm up a few pounds because I ate too much cheese this weekend. I'm so envious of those who can eat even P3 type calories and maintain. At this weight, every calorie counts as well as the type of calories they are - low carb is best for sure.

BUT! I'm not having a pity party here trust me. HCG has helped me have a better handle on my weight. I'm weighing every day even though I don't want to - old habits can creep in SO easily! I was the master scale avoider in the past. You eat too much cheese and you don't want to know what that looks like on the scale but you get on it anyway and you take care of it NOW rather than letting it get to 5, 10, 15, 20 lbs before you say "Oh!"

HCG allowed me to lose where I never did before with LC or any other diet. It got me to a healthy BMI which is all I ever wanted after years of being morbidly obese and obese and then overweight. I'm so grateful I found it!

So....how are YOU doing?

[julieboolie]

LOL! Jenn-I could have written that post!! I'm in P4 too and have accepted that every Monday I am doing a GYCD. It's ok, I am thankful that it works every time and I drop down 3lbs each time. I would love to be like Shelby or Torrister and really push the calories in P3 and stabilze at or below LDW. I'm just not one of those people. My body always goes back to LDW+3 when I do my CD. It just doesn't want to go back down to LDW. I'm accepting of that more now than before. I used to try to convince my body it could do it!! Now, I feed it what it seems to like. Mostly LC, but some yogurt for sure! I am enjoying the exercise and like how I look and feel. I'd like to lose 10lbs more some day, but probably not this summer. I want to work on maintaining for a while longer. We'll see. For now, I'm enjoying being lower than I've ever been and smaller too. HCG works, but I do agree, for some of us it's not a miracle cure. I do think it has helps a bit w/ my carb sensitivity and has NOT hurt my metabolism. If I had done low calories w.o it I think I would be definitely damaged even more than I was before!!

I am still looking at the big picture and down the road. We both have come such a long way and I know, for me, I'm shocked at who I've become. Being able to maintain at this weight would be quite a lovely lifestyle, wouldn't it? You look so amazing and healthy and fit!! KUTGW!!

[averyjenn]

Julieboolie! My HCG twin! You look fab too darling! Size 4-6? Awesome!!! I'm size 6-8 mostly 8 but I'm THRILLED! I also want to maintain for now. I may want to lose another 10 but that would be it for me too I believe.

[minimonkey]

Originally Posted by torim

Okay guys - you've just motivated the bejeepers out of me. Yaaah!! Went to the gym today - but only made it to the sauna. Tomorrows the day back into it. Will just eat a little more protein and add in a post work out shake as well. Found that Glutamine and BCAA's in your post and pre shake works well. The glutamine adds glycogen for the muscles without adding carbs - seems to help heaps with energy.

Once I finish this second round I'll get another BF test done. It will be interesting because the trainer I went to - he does the Poliquin Biosignature method - if anyone's heard of it was quite convinced I would gain fat and lose muscle on the HCG.

LOL about the sauna, Torim! I am a fan of both BCAAs and Glutamine -- I have a good powder that contains both. Glutamine does make the muscles retain water a bit more, so the scale tends to go up.. but it is worth it. Plus, it is excellent for the gut lining, which is why I started taking it.

As for BCAAs -- well, they just rock!

Good luck getting back into your routine!

Your trainer will need to prepare for a surprise Most trainers are scared to death of anything low calorie or that includes fasting.... and many of them are equally scared of low carbs --- but there are many methods for gaining muscle and losing fat that defy the traditional fitness wisdom. I certainly haven't lost muscle on hhcg !

[minimonkey]

Disney --- love your beautiful new avatar!!!!!!

[minimonkey]

Julie and Avery -- you guys both look amazing! (Avery -- that avatar is gorgeous!!!!)

Seems maintenance is an individual thing.... some people seem to come out of this with a super high metabolism (Shelby is the queen of that... but she also does cardio every day, religiously!) ... and others don't. Shelby has been a regular exerciser for years, and I am sure that helps a lot.

Peggy also seems to be very blessed when it comes to maintenance.... she still has a ways to go to goal, but my guess is that her regular, religious intervals of metabolic stoking while in p3/p4 will allow her to continue to eat high calories when maintaining at goal -- I hope so

You two have also had wonderful, amazing successes -- and if the worst of it is that you will need to do the periodic correction day to maintain, I'd say that's still pretty darn fabulous!!!

[DisneyPrincess]

I'm still around and doing well. Simpply enjoying life at the beach with my family

I'm maintaining well about 2 pounds from my low. There has been a LOT of eating and drinking so I'm thrilled. I've been doing a ton of running and will be actually starting p90x next week which I'm excited for. I feel great after a few days off and a few days back eating "good"

I'm also signing up for the OBX marathon in november so I will be training starting July. I actually can't wait!

Looks like everyone is finding their way!

[Izzysdream]

Originally Posted by averyjenn

How's everyone doing? I'm come to realize a few things. For me, hcg is sadly not the "cure" for my maintenance problems. I have the same problems maintaining my weight as I did before hcg. There was no reset of my metabolism or set point here. I'm eating LC and do a CD at least once/week to keep myself in my window. Now I'm up a few pounds because I ate too much cheese this weekend. I'm so envious of those who can eat even P3 type calories and maintain. At this weight, every calorie counts as well as the type of calories they are - low carb is best for sure.

BUT! I'm not having a pity party here trust me. HCG has helped me have a better handle on my weight. I'm weighing every day even though I don't want to - old habits can creep in SO easily! I was the master scale avoider in the past. You eat too much cheese and you don't want to know what that looks like on the scale but you get on it anyway and you take care of it NOW rather than letting it get to 5, 10, 15, 20 lbs before you say "Oh!"

HCG allowed me to lose where I never did before with LC or any other diet. It got me to a healthy BMI which is all I ever wanted after years of being morbidly obese and obese and then overweight. I'm so grateful I found it!

So....how are YOU doing?

I agree. I pretty much ate the same things all through P3 and as long as I stay pretty much with that food regime (which is high fat and around 2000 calories) I'm fine. If not I gain a couple pounds and as long as I do a couple protein days afterward I'm fine. I did do several days of emotional eating over a breakup recently and was up 4-5 pounds but it was easily corrected the following week.
I'm grateful I did hcg, it is making me more mindful of maintenance. I had been yo-yoing up and down 20 - 25 pounds for over a year. It was too hard on my body (not to mention my skin yikes!). I have a journal here and tuning in here and another site helps keep me accountable.

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by averyjenn

Julieboolie! My HCG twin! You look fab too darling! Size 4-6? Awesome!!! I'm size 6-8 mostly 8 but I'm THRILLED! I also want to maintain for now. I may want to lose another 10 but that would be it for me too I believe.

LOL! I'm in 1 pair of size 4 capri's so I count that !! I am anywhere from there up to a 9/10 in one pair of skinny jeans! I'd say I'm a 6-8, and mostly 8's in jeans (except those lovely Levi's ). Maybe we'll maintain for a while together and then consider another 10lbs to lean out more. I'm not interested in that any time soon. Maintenance, although challenging, is WAY more fun!! We'll KIT.

Mini-you're so cute! I'm not upset that I'm not like other people (at least most of the time). I'm just acknowledging that it's different for everyone and we're all still finding our way. You really do look like a fitness model btw. So lean and muscular and healthy looking!! So happy for you!!

DP-beautiful pic!! I'm so happy for you!! Living life to the fullest and enjoying fitness and health!!

Izzy-accountability is key to maintenance I think. That scale can creep up w/o a watchful eye and we can ignore it w.o someone else there checking up and supporting us. You're doing great and maintaining well even with the little challenges of life!! KUTGW!!

I need to get some update pics soon. Dd's teacher last night was asking me about my fitness routine and complimenting me on my muscle tone and overall healthy appearance. That was nice . I don't normally get that comment. More "you've lost weight, you look great" etc., not "are you working out? You look so healthy and toned. what are you doing?" LOL!

[minimonkey]

Julie -- hey, rock on with the "are you working out" comment!!!!!! Healthy and toned-- now THATS what I'm talkin' about ....Yeeeeah, baby! Doesn't that feel good?

And thanks so much for the compliments!! I'm a work in progress, but very happy with my accomplishments so far

Learning how to work this protocol along with heavy exercise is an exercise in making-it-up-as-you-go... but so far, I seem to be making it work for me.

[DisneyPrincess]

Bump!!

How is everyone??

I have a second to post so thought I'd check in

I'm doing well. I'm a few pounds above my LDW but I look about the same and my clothes still fit great so that's what matters. I have had a few indulgences and am coming to find I am VERY carb sensitive so I am working on cutting most out for the time being.
I was eating carbs and then found myself binging and I saw a pattern developing. Glad I caught it!

Being at the beach has been amazing. I've never felt so confidant in a bikini as I do now and I plan on always feeling this way we have another week here too

I've been doing a LOT of running and have decided on running in my 4th marathon in the fall. I ran 8 miles yesterday and felt amazing so I know I have the training in me. That will officially begin the end of July

As for now, I'm actually going to be starting p90x on Tuesday. Dh has it and I've been wanting to try it so I figure it is the perfect time. I'm going to cut out the cardio days and run instead and watch myself get stronger

I'm debating another p2 round min July right before training for the marathon so I can be at my best and lightest going in. I haven't decided yet but have a busy month coming up.

Hope everyone is well!

[swella73]

What's a "24 Hour Re-feed?" and when is it necessary???

[DisneyPrincess]

Originally Posted by swella73

What's a "24 Hour Re-feed?" and when is it necessary???

I think there is a whole thread about refeeds but from my experience working with a fitness trainer and getting my PT certification I see they are more necessary the leaner you are and the more of a deficiet you are in.

A refeed is basically a carb up- low fat, high carb, moderate protein

[julieboolie]

Hey guys- just a quick check in. Yesterday was my bday and I've been celebrating a lot!!! Lots of fun, but the scale isn't pleased. Doing a GY cd today. We'll be celebrating over the weekend too, so I'll get back to more serious CDs next week.

Got hit on twice the other day, by young good looking guys. That's a bday gift I'll remember!! I'll postmore later. Just checking in

[minimonkey]

ROCK ON JULIE!!!!!!!!! You are workin' this new look!!!!!

I routinely get hit on by guys who are younger -- sometimes MUCH younger -- than I am. This protocol and exercise have some pretty profound antiaging effects Good skincare helps a lot, too.

[julieboolie]

Lol Mini!! This is a new one for me, and I'm enjoying it!! Of course, I'm up 10lbs in the past 3 days of indulgence, so not feeling as attractive today . But, hopefully a few clean P3 days and some GY I will be back to my window. We're going to a graduation party later today and I'll just be careful. I'll have some yogurt to help fill me up a bit before I go, and just try to avoid temptation. Sounds like a plan!

I never cease to be amazed at how quickly I can re-gain weight! I hope it goes in 3 days too!! We'll see. Maintenance is a never ending battle!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[Jenn_in_NJ]

I haven't been on the boards much but saw this thread and wanted to comment.

I started Intermittent fasting soon after I finished the hHCG. I really like it. I've lost 5 more lbs. I have incorporated the HCG stuff with LC and IF.

I still train hard and and I do it fasted, which may be heresy but it's working for me.

I fast for 14 hours (I go by Martin Berkhan's rules) from about 10 pm until noon the next day. I have coffee for breakfast like HCG then eat 3 nice size meals between 12 and 10.

I hit the gym 3 times a week and do cardio after weights. I still left very heavy. After my workout I take in some BCAA's for a little recovery. I feel great, no issues. Weekends I have a little cheat.

I still weigh every day and if I am over I lower calories for the day. Today I had some bread so I know I will be up tomorrow but I will just watch tomorrow. This weekend was a cheat weekend anyway.

[minimonkey]

Welcome to the thread, Jenn! Glad to have another HCG/heavy exerciser/lifter among us -- and I hope you will continue to post

Yes -- heresy! I am all about heretical plans -- they've been the only thing that has worked for me so far Fasted training seems to be the way to go for many people.

I'm a big fan of BCAA's too -- they just rock all around.

Glad to hear the IF-ing works for you! The lean gains approach certainly does seem to work for many, many people!

[julieboolie]

Hey, just chceking in. I'm no sure if any "maintainers" are still checking in, haven't been on "board" as much lately.

I'm up a bit in weight. Between a week long birthday celebration, a bit of travel and exercising I'm 5lbs over where I'd like to be. I've been really enjoying myself though, lots of yummy eating and celebrating, so I can't really complain. I was hoping to try a GY CD today, but we have dd's bday party at a pizza/salad buffet tonight, and I have to pay anyway, so I know I won't be able to resist completely. I am going to do a clean P3 style eating for a few days and try to get back closer to LDW.

Overall I'm still really pleased with my hcg experience and my weight loss. I would still like to be 10lbs lighter but suspect I may always feel that way.

I am a normal weight, and normal body fat % for the first time in my life, but when I look in the mirror I still want to be thinner. I do have saggy skin issues that surgery will be the only answer for, so I need to just keep working out, building muscle and accept my limitations. I keep telling myself to enjoy maintenance and not worry about another 10 lbs!! .

Ok, just checking in. It's sad that once we lose the weight we all disappear!! I'd love to hear from my other P4 and beyond buddies!! Hope you're all enjoing maintenane as much as I am!!

[DisneyPrincess]

I'm here- kind of.

Still on vacation but going back to reality tomorrow. I too am up about 5 pounds from my low. I'm not sad about it since I've toned down my workouts and have eaten everything from ice cream to nachos. Starting sunday I'm going back to Hhcg (with a twist of course) and will b e back to heavy workouts. I know the weight is going to come off fast and am really happy to see how well I've maintained the majority of my losses. I MIGHT go for a few additional pounds this round but I'll decide once I get back to siggy weight

[averyjenn]

I'm up 5 from my LDW too! Sad club we are all in! Sad thing is I've not been eating yummy foods - did have a few drinks last weekend but it was vodka/crystal light. Hate my metabolism!! I've done 2 egg/salad with chicken days back to back and went down and back up. GAH!!! I did ovulate the other day and hoping that it's just my normal weight gain with that and that it should be gone in a few days. This is the pits! I really want to lose 4 lbs. I'm at 156 (okay 155.9) and feel good at 152. I'm eating LC style with a tiny bit of fruit but cut that out now too. We'll see.

[julieboolie]

Hi girls!! I see the 5 lb club is popular!! we can relose that pretty quickly I'm sure.

Dp-sorry your vaca is almost over. I've debated going back to hcg for a bit more, but I'm gonna try LC and lower cal first. It messed w my cycle and I didn't lose as well my last 2 rounds. We'll see. Good luck!!

Jenn-we really are twins. That's where I am weight wise too. I did a LC and GY day yesterday to get there (I really indulged last week). I'm gonna do LC and try limiting my cals this week to see if I can get back to 152 too!! I hope i can!!

Glad to hear there're still some of us still fighting the good fight !

[DisneyPrincess]

This is where I HATE being little because 5 pounds is a lot for someone who is 4'10 and it can take me a while to get that off. I hope to have it off quickly but I think it might be hard being in NY with Dh and family. I will do my best. The hardest thing is going to be getting rid of the alcohol :blush:

[Izzysdream]

Hi ladies, I'm up 5 pounds over LIW today but have been eating, drinking and having lots of dessert for over a week. Back on today!

[averyjenn]

Down to 155.2 today. Heavy sigh....At least it's down right? Frustrating!! I'm seriously thinking of doing another round which if it's like last time, netted me a loss of 10-12 lbs. I went from 164 down to 150.3 with my LDW being 151.2. Now my body likes to be about 4-6 lbs higher but I don't want it to be. So I'm thinking if I loaded and went to 156 and then lost approx 12 to maybe 14 at most again in 3 weeks, I would gain back to upper 140s/150 which is were I'd REALLY like to stay. That would give me the leeway I want. I'm seriously thinking about that.